Worn-out high-visibility clothing can pose a real safety risk when reflectors and colors lose their effectiveness. At the same time, you save both money and the environment by making them last longer.
The biggest risk is reduced visibility. Reflective strips can detach, and colors fade due to both sunlight and washing.
Direct sunlight breaks down the fluorescent pigments. Over time, the clothing loses its bright color and becomes less visible.
Insufficient protective function can also occur when reflective material cracks or falls off. If the color fades to a weaker shade, the effect diminishes.
Changed fit can expose unprotected body parts. It is easy to overlook, but it matters.
Employers are responsible for ensuring that the equipment meets EN ISO 20471 standards. Worn clothing does not always meet this requirement.
If you manage to double the lifespan of high-visibility clothing, the climate impact is halved. That’s quite striking.
The economics also improve—a complete set can cost between 800 and 2000 SEK per person. It adds up quickly if you replace them often.
The environmental benefits? Less textile production, lower emissions, and less waste. Raw materials and chemicals are conserved.
Companies that invest in quality and care often find that the cost per year of use decreases. This frees up resources for other purposes.
High-visibility clothing is a cornerstone of workplace safety, especially in construction, logistics, and road traffic. Their condition directly affects the risk of accidents.
The employer's responsibility does not end with the purchase. The clothing must retain its protection throughout its usage period and be replaced when it no longer meets the standards.
A well-maintained wardrobe of high-visibility clothing means better visibility in all lighting conditions. It provides security and enhances safety at work.
Regular inspection and proper care are an investment in both personnel and operations. It’s hard to argue against that.
Proper use involves choosing the right protection class, keeping the garments visible, and understanding how improper use affects safety. It’s the small details that make a big difference.
The EN ISO 20471 standard has three protection classes. Class 1 is suitable for low risk, class 2 for medium risk, and class 3 for high risk and poor visibility.
Class 3 provides the largest reflective area and visibility. It is often the safest choice where traffic is fast or visibility is poor.
Garment type matters—vests are good for short jobs, but jackets or long-sleeved shirts provide better protection for longer shifts. Combination garments further increase visibility.
Material choice is also crucial. Polyester-cotton blends hold up better than pure cotton. Sewn reflectors often stay attached longer than glued ones.
Visibility is only as good as the reflective material allows. Dirt and wear can quickly diminish the effect.
Daily inspections help you catch damage in time. Check reflective strips, color strength, and the overall condition of the garment.
Different lighting conditions impose different requirements. Fluorescent materials work best in daylight, while retroreflective strips are needed in darkness.
Cleaning must be done regularly. Oil stains and dirt reduce both color and reflectivity. Garments that are no longer adequately visible should be replaced immediately.
Incorrect sizing of the garment is a common issue. Oversized clothing flutters and can easily get caught, while undersized garments restrict movement and leave skin unprotected.
If you wear other clothing over the high-visibility garment, the reflective surface is concealed. This can lower the protection class without you noticing.
Chemicals such as solvents or acids can damage both the fabric and reflective material. Some substances bleach colors and permanently reduce effectiveness.
Rips from tools or heavy work wear down the reflective strips. Tears mean the garment no longer meets the requirements.
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Portwest
Nantes Hi-Vis Contrast Work Coverall
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High-visibility clothing requires a bit of extra care. It involves following the right washing instructions, protecting against contamination, and storing them smartly.
Regular maintenance ensures that both fluorescent and reflective materials function as they should.
Temperature and detergent play a larger role than one might think. Wash fluorescent materials at a maximum of 40°C to avoid fading.
Reflective strips can often withstand higher temperatures, but always double-check the manufacturer's advice. It can vary significantly.
How often you wash depends on how much the clothing is used. Protective garments worn daily need a wash once a week.
If the garments are really dirty, pre-treat with a mild detergent. Avoid chlorine and bleach—they permanently destroy colors.
Use regular detergent, but skip optical brighteners. Wash high-visibility clothing separately to avoid discoloration and damage from zippers.
Drying? Preferably in the shade or on low heat in a tumble dryer. Direct sunlight fades quickly, and it's a shame to stress the garments unnecessarily.
Dust and industrial particulates quickly settle on reflective surfaces. This significantly reduces light reflection.
A thin layer of construction dust can actually halve the reflection ability. It’s surprising how quickly the effect diminishes.
Oil stains and chemical contaminants penetrate the textile fibers. This affects both fluorescent and reflective properties—and it’s often permanent.
Such stains require immediate treatment with a degreaser before washing. If you wait too long, it’s too late.
Mechanical wear from tools and equipment creates holes and tears. This breaks down the reflective strips and makes them less effective.
It’s wise to inspect the garments regularly to catch damage before it becomes dangerous.
Wear in seam systems and at attachment points is often first noticed on shoulders, elbows, and knees. These areas wear out faster than one might think.
If personal protective equipment starts to lose its shape or shows visible damage, it should be replaced immediately. There’s no point in taking chances.
Hanging storage on hangers helps prevent creases that can damage the reflective material. Folding garments along the reflective strips is a bad idea.
Repeated folding quickly causes permanent damage. It’s easy to do if you’re in a hurry.
Storage location should be dry and dark. UV light from windows can actually break down colors even when the garments are just hanging there.
The temperature should ideally be between 15 and 25 degrees. Too large fluctuations are not pleasant.
Chemical separation is important if high-visibility clothing is stored near solvents, oils, or other liquids. Fumes can damage the textile over time.
Transport handling requires protecting the garments from sharp objects. Special compartments or protective bags are a good idea when transporting clothing with tools.
It’s worth checking storage surfaces occasionally. You don’t want anything sharp rubbing unnecessarily.
High-visibility clothing must comply with strict regulations from the Swedish Work Environment Authority and the Swedish Transport Administration. It’s all about protecting people at work, plain and simple.
The EN ISO 20471 standard sets technical requirements and certification levels that must be met.
The Work Environment Act underpins the requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) in Sweden. Employers must ensure that staff have approved high-visibility clothing when there is a risk of accidents.
The regulations state that high-visibility clothing must be used in:
The employer is responsible for selecting the right protection class based on a risk assessment. This also includes regularly checking the condition of the clothing.
Damaged or worn high-visibility clothing must be replaced immediately. This affects how long the clothing can be used.
The Swedish Transport Administration has its own requirements for work on roads and railways. Class 3 high-visibility clothing according to EN ISO 20471 is a must for road work.
Railway environments require additional certification where visibility must be even higher. The Transport Administration's regulations specify:
| Work Area | Minimum Class | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Motorway | Class 3 | Orange color |
| Country Road | Class 2-3 | Reflective 360° |
| Railway | Class 3 | Special Certification |
Maintenance and replacement of high-visibility clothing are governed by inspection intervals. The Transport Administration requires documentation of when garments are replaced due to reduced visibility or damage.
The EN ISO 20471 standard categorizes clothing into three protection classes based on the amount of reflective and fluorescent material. The certification sets technical requirements that affect durability.
The standard specifies material properties that directly impact lifespan:
Class 1 requires at least 0.14 m² of reflective material and 0.20 m² of fluorescent fabric. Class 3 requires 0.20 m² of reflective and 0.80 m² of fluorescent fabric.
The certification includes an aging test that simulates normal wear and tear. This determines the garment's expected lifespan.
CE marking according to the PPE regulation is mandatory. The manufacturer must also provide maintenance instructions that affect the validity of the certification.
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Improper handling of high-visibility clothing can significantly shorten both lifespan and safety function. Most problems arise during washing, storage, and when it’s time to replace worn garments.
Many never read the small washing instructions that come with high-visibility clothing. This often leads to premature wear of the garments.
Common mistakes include washing at too high a temperature, using bleach, or fabric softeners that damage the fluorescent material. It’s easy to toss the clothes in with the rest of the workwear and forget about the settings.
The reflective material is particularly sensitive to chemicals and heat. Washing over 60°C can cause the reflectors to crack or detach.
Tumble drying on high heat is a real culprit. It causes both colors and reflectors to lose their shape.
Air drying is always the safest choice if you want the garments to last longer. Read the label, keep it under 40°C, and skip the tumble dryer if you can.
Improper storage is an underestimated cause of clothing wearing out faster than necessary. Many leave their high-visibility clothing in the car, locker, or at the workplace where the sun shines on them.
UV radiation damages both fluorescent and reflective materials. Over time, those bright colors fade to a dull, matte shade.
Moisture and extreme temperatures exacerbate the situation. Clothing stored in damp conditions can start to mold, which is detrimental to both fabric and reflectors.
The best practice is to hang the clothing in a dry, dark place. Avoid storage in cars, direct sunlight, and damp basements.
Many use their high-visibility clothing long after safety has deteriorated. It’s easy to overlook small cracks or that the reflectors are starting to detach.
Fluorescent material gradually loses its strength and visibility. The change is often so slow that you get used to it—until it’s suddenly too late.
High-visibility clothing that no longer meets EN ISO 20471 must be replaced immediately. Many continue to use worn clothing, perhaps to save money.
It’s wise to inspect the clothing every month. Check that the reflectors are secure, that there are no cracks, and that the color is still clearly visible in daylight.
Taking care of high-visibility clothing requires attention to detail. Washing, environment, and repair options play a significant role in how long the garments last.
Regular but gentle washing is key. Wash the garments in lukewarm water, 30–40 degrees, and skip bleach and fabric softeners.
Air dry in the shade if you can. Machine drying and direct sunlight wear down both color and reflectors.
Store the clothing in a dry, dark place. Hang them up to avoid unsightly creases and unnecessary wear.
Dirt and contamination from the workplace wear heavily on both colors and reflectors. Oils, chemicals, and construction dust must be removed quickly; otherwise, the protection is compromised.
Mechanical wear from movement and friction wears down the material, especially at knees, elbows, and shoulders. Those areas are always the first to give out.
Improper washing and maintenance can actually cause more damage than the use itself. High temperatures, strong detergents, and hard spinning take a toll on both fabric and reflectors.
Minor repairs such as mending seams or replacing buttons can often be done without compromising safety requirements. It’s quite convenient and gives the garment a bit of extra lifespan.
However, if it involves reflective material or those highly visible color areas, it becomes trickier. Changes there can actually mean the garment no longer meets the EN ISO 20471 standard.
It’s not always easy to know what works or not. Often, a professional needs to take a look to determine if the garment still meets the standards set by the Swedish Work Environment Authority.
Sometimes, it’s actually cheaper and easier to simply replace the garment than to try to repair it too much.
If the color has significantly faded or the reflectors have lost their effectiveness, it’s time to replace them immediately. Visibility must always be at its best, regardless of how long you’ve had the garment.
If you work hard and use the clothing every day, it may be time for replacement after just 6–12 months. This varies, of course, depending on the environment and wear.
If you use the clothing less frequently and they look fresh upon inspection, they can last longer. It’s always best to check for damage, fading, or broken reflective strips rather than just going by time.
If you wash too often, both the fabric and reflectors wear out faster than you might think. Wash only when absolutely necessary—it usually goes a long way.
Incorrect washing, such as too high heat, strong chemicals, or hard spinning, can ruin the garment on the first wash. It’s better to use mild detergents designed for technical textiles, even if it feels cumbersome at times.
Dry cleaning? No, it’s a big no for almost all high-visibility clothing—the chemicals can dissolve the reflective material. Hand washing or gentle machine washing are really the only sensible options if the certification is to hold.
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight breaks down fluorescent color pigments. It’s those pigments that give high-visibility clothing its characteristic visibility.
UV radiation particularly affects orange and yellow shades. They noticeably fade over time, which is easy to miss until you compare them to new fabric.
Extreme temperatures, both cold and heat, affect the flexibility of the materials. This can lead to cracks or the reflective bands feeling stiff and dull.
Temperature fluctuations only make it worse. Clothing wears out faster than you might think if they are left out in both heat and cold.
Moisture and rain, especially combined with dirt, create perfect conditions for bacteria. It can actually weaken the textile fibers more than one wants to admit.
Quick drying and cleaning after the clothing gets wet helps minimize these effects. Sure, it’s a bit of work, but it pays off in the long run.
The information on this page is intended as general guidance only and does not replace manufacturer instructions or applicable regulations. Workwise does not guarantee that the content is accurate, complete, or current and is not liable for decisions or actions taken based on this information. Always follow current standards and manufacturer instructions.
